Expat Living in South Korea

Do you want to move to South Korea? Why not?! South Korea is one of the most extraordinary countries in Asia. It is famous for its attractive culture and local development. South Korea is a beautiful and ancient spiritual place and it has a strong culture that is relatively similar to big countries in terms of climate and style. It has plenty of native traditions that will amaze a lot of visitors. Living in South Korea will not only give you an insight into a nation with a rich heritage but also the South Korean lifestyle that is defined by countless possibilities and a can-do attitude. Seoul, South Korea’s capital located along the Hangang (Han River) has grown into a huge metropolis and the center of life in South Korea in recent years. While it is home to many expats, there are other regions and districts throughout the country which are worth a visit for your prospect place of residence. We at Asia Expat Guide (AEG) offers comprehensive support and information to ease your transition to this new country faster and more convenient.

Things to Know about Living in South Korea

It is important to know a little history and country profile of South Korea. We at Asia Expat Guide (AEG) will give you a bird’s eye view of everything that you need to know. The Korean Peninsula is divided between north and south, making Korea one of the only divided countries in the world. Its history dates back to 2333 B.C.. According to the Wikipedia, the population of Korea today, North and South combined, is estimated to be around 70-80 million. The total population of South Korea is about 52 million. In terms of population density, there are 511 people for every square kilometer. Roughly 20% of the population lives in Seoul. Other large and economically advanced cities such as Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and Ulsan have a higher population density than other cities in South Korea. Koreans are believed to be the descendants of several Mongol tribes that migrated to the Korean Peninsula from Central Asia.

In ancient times, Koreans believed in shamanism, a primitive form of religion that has deep roots in folk beliefs. With the introduction of Buddhism to the Goguryeo Kingdom in 372 A.D., Buddhism began to flourish in Korea. Christianity reached Korea around the 18th century and the number of Christians has rapidly increased since then. Today, Christianity is the most predominant religion in South Korea followed by Buddhism and almost half of the population tagged themselves as non-religious. The South Korean economy is driven by manufacturing and exports including ships, automobiles, mobile phones, PCs, TVs, and other electronics to countries all around the world. The nation boasts itself as the 15th largest economy in the world.

The official Korean language is Hangeul and it is widely spoken throughout the country but living in South Korea would not be that of big issue anymore since the nation is attempting to solve the language barrier and Koreans are making efforts to integrate the English language into their school curriculum, making English proficiency mandatory at most levels of education. The Won (KRW) is the official currency of South Korea.